Britain's weather maps have turned volcanic red as temperatures prepare to soar to a sizzling 30C within hours. The scorching Bank Holiday Monday will mark the hottest day of the late summer, with much of England and Wales set to swelter under blazing sunshine.
Weather charts show the mercury climbing to at least 28C across major cities including London, Cardiff and Birmingham. According to the Express, Gloucester could hit the peak temperature of 30C, making it the hottest spot in the country.
Met Office confirms scorching conditions
High pressure over the UK will keep persistent rain at bay and deliver widespread dry, fine weather. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "Temperatures are generally on the rise through the weekend, possibly peaking around 28C in some parts of southern and central England on Monday."
The official forecast warns of large waves around western beaches despite the sunshine. Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell confirmed most areas will see plenty of sunshine and feel very warm, though Northern Ireland will turn cloudier with rain arriving later.
Hurricane Erin brings dramatic change
The sizzling conditions will be short-lived as Hurricane Erin's remnants approach from the Atlantic. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said: "This system should have undergone its transition into an ex-hurricane by the time it reaches the mid-Atlantic, and it will continue to weaken as a broad low pressure system as it drifts towards the UK."
Tuesday marks the start of unsettled weather with heavy rain bands sweeping west to east. The dramatic shift will displace the current settled pattern, bringing spells of rain and strong winds by mid-week.
Regional hotspots and records
Scotland will remain cooler with temperatures hovering around 20C throughout Monday. Sky News reports a 30% chance of temperatures reaching 30C somewhere in southern Britain, with the Welsh August Bank Holiday record of 26.5C likely to be smashed.
The Liverpool Echo notes that Liverpool will be hotter than Ibiza on Monday, with 29C compared to the Spanish island's 28C. Nine other cities including Manchester, Coventry and Oxford are all forecast to hit 29C.
Sources used: "Express", "WalesOnline", "Skynews", "Manchester Evening", "guardian", "Liverpool Echo", "Birminghammail", "Kent Live", "MyLondon"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
